The Outsourcing Dilemma: The Search for Competitiveness

the outsourcing dilemma: the search for competitiveness

The Outsourcing Dilemma: The Search for Competitiveness

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Outsourcing of some business functions pre-dates the technological revolution of the latter part of the 20th century. Nevertheless, 99 percent of outsourcing would not be logical or necessary if it were not for the constantly changing and improving technology. Despite the circumstances, most organizations are left with no alternative but to keep trying to improve their systems. They then have two basic alternatives. They can either do it in-house by buying the necessary equipment, software, and external help, or they can externalize the function completely by taking one of the outsourcing routes. Research undertaken into project failure rates at the beginning of 2000 has provided the author with a unique insight into the real level of success obtained from choosing either internal or external solutions to the competitive problem. The Outsourcing Dilemma presents the arguments for and against outsourcing and suggests ways in which the enormous problems of maintaining competitiveness might be approached. The book examines:

the changing times that have brought about the need to be competitive in all functions
the various internal solutions to the problem of maintaining competitiveness
the advantages and disadvantages of the external solution of outsourcing
the extent to which outsourcing is being practiced and the functions being outsourced
the growing range of alternatives to full outsourcing
a range of factors that potential clients should know about outsourcing providers
factors to consider when choosing an outsourcing service provider
alternative options toward achieving lasting competitiveness

The Outsourcing Dilemma includes controversial case studies highlighting the advantages and potential pitfalls of outsourcing, and a revolutionary long-term competitiveness option - "Business Satellites" - that does not require short-term dramatic change, expense, and disruption. Competitive advantage is a choice. Who are you going to entrust it to?

About the Author
Brian Heywood has been involved in the world of commerce for many years, initially with a succession of roles in sales, market research, advertising, and brand management. This experience gained him a position as UK head of an American toiletries company. This was followed by a period of four years with a major management consultancy (now Ernst & Young) in the UK. He then spent four years based in the United States, the last three of these as president of an American food company.Since returning to the UK, he has worked as an independent consultant and set up a market research company; some of his direct consultancy projects have been through major consultancies and some on an independent basis, which has provided him with valuable experience working with a wide range of company sizes. Most of this consultancy work has been in areas related to marketing, business systems, and outsourcing. In recent years, he has made a specialty of helping outsourcing service providers to find and access new markets.He has been successful in technology research work that was used as the basis for futuristic television programs around the world, and he has received a marketing award for helping small consultancy clients increase their sales.

The Outsourcing Dilemma: The Search for Competitiveness,J. Brian Heywood,Financial Times/Prentice Hall,0130351318,Business & Economics,Business / Economics / Finance,Business/Economics,Competition,Contracting out,Entrepreneurship,General,Management Science,Purchasing & Buying

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